MODULE 1

TITLE: THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH IN EDUCATION

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, the pre-service teacher can:
a. Explicate the nature of research as a scientific inquiry aimed at providing basis for
classroom decisions
b. State the fundamental of research
c. Describe and illustrate the flow of the research process

LESSON 1 : Nature of Research as Scientific Inquiry

ACTIVITY: Listen to the sound of crickets chirping at night!

Situation: It is one of the hottest nights of summer and your bedroom windows are wide open. The
quiet chirpings of the crickets can be heard. The noise is deafening. You can’t sleep. Why are they
chirping? How will you find out? What will you do?
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ANALYSIS:
 How did you come up with your answers? What did you do?
 Can you illustrate the process?

ABSTRACTION:

As you lie awake, you are probably not thinking about science. But, in fact, you are already
thinking just a scientist would. You made observations: you heard the chirping of the crickets, you
wonder, and made some possible guesses to answer your question. Although you might not be aware
of it, your thinking and questioning is already the start of the scientific inquiry process.
Man and woman has always been fascinated by the unknown. This fascination led him/her to
every source of knowledge such as traditions, experience and authority. Earlier knowledge or theory
that the Earth was flat, or that sun revolve around the earth were changed due to scientific inquiry
and exploration. Later we found out that earth is round and that it rotates and revolve around the
sun.
What is Scientific Inquiry?

Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and
propose explanations based on the evidence they gather. Have you ever wonder why a plant wilted?
Then, you have used scientific inquiry.

Scientific Inquiry involves the following logically arranged process;

1. Posing Question or problem
 Think of a time that you observed something unusual or unexpected. You will be curious and
chances are, your curiosity sparked a number of questions.
 So, what question/s do you have in mind right now?
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2. Formulation of a tentative Solution or Hypothesis

According to J. E. Greigton
“A hypothesis is a tentative supposition or provisional guess which seems to explain the
situation under observation”

 Think of the possible solutions to your question or problem you wrote above.
 In trying to answer the question, you are in fact developing a hypothesis already.
 So in this case, what would be your hypothesis?
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3. Design an Experiment
In science, a hypothesis must be testable. This means that as a researcher, you must be
able to carry out investigations and gather evidence that will either support or disapprove the
hypothesis. Many trials will be needed before a hypothesis can be accepted as true.
Testing hypothesis is done by experimentation, which is systematic procedure to
answer the problem.
At this rate, you need to observe variables, or factors to test your hypothesis.
Variables can be;
 Independent variable (In a cause-effect relationship, independent variable is
the cause. It is a stimulus variable. It is that factor which is measured,
manipulated, or selected by the researcher to determine its relationship to an
observed phenomenon.)
 Dependent variable (In a cause-effect relationship, dependent variable is the
effect. It is also called a response variable or output. The dependent variable is
that factor which is observed and measured to determine the effect of the
independent variable. It is the variable that will change as a result of variation
in the independent variable. It is considered dependent because its value
depends upon the value of the independent variable.)
 Controlled variable (Constant factor) This is the variable or factor that the
scientist holds constant (controls) during an experiment or study.
 Look at the example below; the dependent variable is highlighted in blue ink while the
independent is in red ink.

If you open a faucet, then it will increase the flow of

water.

Independent variable (what I change)

-when faucet opening, closed, half open, fully open-

Dependent variable (What I observe)

-amount of water flowing measured (can be in liters per minute, etc)

Can you design your experiment?

4. Collecting Data
 For your experiment, you need a data table in which to record your data.
 Data are the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.
 A data table is an organized way to collect and record observations.
 You may graphs or tables can help you interpret.
Data are pieces of information gathered from the experiment. They can be presented and
organized in charts and tables. The data may be written description, drawings, a list of numbers,
or any kind of information you observed during the experiment.

Example:
Mario’s data include the description on how the water ran down the soil, the amount of runoff
present, and the color of the runoff.

Setup Amount of water Volume of water Color of runoff

poured runoff
A. Pan with
bare soil

B. Pan with
soil and
growing
grasses

5. Interpreting of collected data

 After the data have been collected, they need to be interpreted.
In interpreting data, the variables should be identified. The relationship of the different
factors should state.

6. Making Conclusion
 A conclusion is a summary of what you have learned from an experiment.
 In drawing your conclusion, you should ask yourself whether the data support the hypothesis
or not.
 You also need to consider whether you collected enough data.

6. Communicating results
 An important part of the scientific inquiry is the process of communicating your results.
 Communicating is the sharing of ideas and experimental findings with others through writing
and speaking.
  Scientists share their ideas in many ways.

Diagram of the Process of

Scientific Inquiry

APPLICATION: Applying scientific inquiry process in this scientific scenarios.

Directions: Read the following scenarios. Then, answer the ff. questions based on the
experiment.

Yang Dy visited his grandparents. While he was sitting on the couch, he takes fancy at the big
clock hanging on the wall with pendulum that keeps on swinging. He decided to make an
experiment to determine if the length of a pendulum will affect the number of swings. So he
gather materials needed and perform the experiment.
 He attached the washer to the end of the string to form a pendulum.
 He hold the other end of the string. Release the pendulum from an angle of 90°.
 He count the number of swings of the pendulum within 10 seconds.
 He record his observation.
 After this, he shorten the string by 25cm (length now of string is 75cm) and repeat the
steps.
 Again, he shorten the string by 25cm (length now of string is 50cm) and repeat the
steps.
 Note to students: You fill up the last column of this table (number of swings). To
answer the number of swings, you need to perform the experiment.

Length of Pendulum Period of swings Number of swings

20 cm 10 seconds
15 cm 10 seconds
10 cm 10 seconds

Questions:
1. What is the problem in this experiment?
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 2. What is the independent variable in this experiment?
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3. What is the dependent variable?

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4. What is the control variable in this experiment?

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5. What would be a good hypothesis for this experiment?

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6. Which length of the pendulum made the most number of swings?

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7. What is the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the number of swings?
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8. CONCLUSION:
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ASSESSMENT:
Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer.

____1. A hypothesis is always made _________________________.

A. Before conducting the experiment C. While the experiment is ongoing
B. After the experiment is done D. While waiting for the procedures
____ 2. Data gathered in an experiment is used to _____________________.
A. Support or reject hypothesis
B. Prove that a hypothesis is100% correct
C. Show how to do the experiment step by step
D. Make conclusion
____ 3. Information or data collected while doing the experiment is placed in _______________.
A. The conclusion C. the hypothesis
B. The variables D. the data table
____ 4. A scientific experiment or investigation always begins with ______________________.
A. An analysis of data C. a clear set of procedures
B. Making of hypothesis D. the asking of question
____ 5. In any study or experiment, the variable or factor that is being measured is called ________.
A. Independent variable C. manipulated variable
B. Dependent variable D. Controlled variable
LESSON 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH

ACTIVITY: (Answer on a separate sheet)

Look through the souvenirs of your life that have been saved as you have grown. For
example, these might include a photograph, a letter, a diary, a newspaper clipping, a birth
certificate, a report card, or a library or social security card. Select one item.

ANALYSIS:
a. What type of document is this?

b. What is the date of the document?

c. Who created the document?

d. How does the document relate to you?

e. What does the existence of this document say about whoever created it?

f. What does the existence of this document say about whoever saved it?

g. What will you do to be able to get the desired answers to these questions?

In this module, you are going to learn about research, its meaning, definitions as defined by
different scholars, and its fundamentals.

ABSTRACTION:
1. Meaning of Research
Research seeks the answer of certain questions which have not been answered so far, and the
answers depend upon human efforts. In common parlance, it refers to a search for knowledge. The
Advanced Learners’ Dictionary of current English lays down the meaning of research as a careful
investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. In this
sense, it is a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for, when the
unknown confronts us, we wonder our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller
understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method
that we employ to obtain the knowledge that can be termed research (Kothari, 1990).
Research is a process to discover new knowledge. In the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR
46.102(d)) pertaining to the protection of human subjects’ research is defined as: “A systematic
investigation (i.e., the gathering and analysis of information) designed to develop or contribute to
generalizable knowledge.” The National Academy of Sciences states that the object of research is to
“extend human knowledge of the physical, biological, or social world beyond what is already
known.” Research is different than other forms of discovering knowledge (like reading a book)
because it uses a systematic process called the Scientific Method.
The Scientific Method consists of observing the world around you and creating a hypothesis
about relationships in the world. A hypothesis is an informed and educated prediction or explanation
about something. Part of the research process involves testing the hypothesis, and then examining the
results of these tests as they relate to both the hypothesis and the world around you. When a
researcher forms a hypothesis, this acts like a map through the research study. It tells the researcher
which factors are important to study and how they might be related to each other or caused by a
manipulation that the researcher introduces (e.g. a program, treatment or change in the environment).
With this map, the researcher can interpret the information he/she collects and can make sound
conclusions about the results.

No matter what topic is being

studied, the value of the research
depends on how well it is designed
and done. Therefore, one of the most
important considerations in doing
good research is to follow the design
or plan that is developed by an
experienced researcher who is called
the Principal Investigator (PI). The
PI is in charge of all aspects of the
research and creates what is called a
protocol (the research plan) that all
people doing the research must
follow. By doing so, the PI and the
public can be sure that the results of
the research are real and useful to
other scientists.

2. Definition of Research
The term ‘research’ consists of two words:
Research: Re + search

‘Re’ means again and again and ‘search’ means to find out something. The following is the
process:

Observes Collection of data

Person --------------------------> Phenomena ------------------------> Conclusions
Again and again Analysis of data

Therefore, research means to observe the phenomena again and again from different
dimensions. It is a process of which a person observes the phenomena again and again and
collects data on the basis of data s/he draws some conclusions.

• According to Rusk
"Research is a point of a view, an attitude of inquiry or a frame of mind. It asks questions which have
hitherto not been asked, and it seeks to answer them by following a fairly definite procedure. It is not
a mere theorizing, but rather an attempt to elicit facts and to face them once they have been
assembled. Research is likewise not an attempt to bolster up pre-conceived opinions, and implies a
readiness to accept the conclusions to which an inquiry leads, no matter how unwelcome they may
prove. When successful, research adds to the scientific knowledge of the
subject”.

• According to George J. Mouly

"Research is the systematic and scholarly application of the scientific method interpreted in its
broadest sense, to the solution of social […]problems; conversely, any systematic study designed to
promote the development of social studies as a science can be considered research”.
• According to Francis G. Cornell
“To be sure the best research is that which is reliable, verifiable, and exhaustive, so that it provides
information in which we have confidence. The main point here is that research is, literally speaking,
a kind of human behavior, an activity in which people engage”.

3. Objectives of research
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of
scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has
not been discovered yet. Kothari (1990) sees that each research study has its own specific purposes.
These objectives often fall under a number of broad groupings. Some examples of these are as
follows:
• To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it. Studies with this object in
view are termed as EXPLORATORY.
• To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.
Studies with this object in view are known as DESCRIPTIVE research studies.
• To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated
with something else. Studies with this object in view are known as DIAGNOSTIC research
studies.
• To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables. Studies with this object
are known as HYPOTHESIS-TESTING research studies or EXPLANATORY research.
4. Motivation in research
What makes people to undertake research is a question of fundamental importance. The
possible motives for doing research may be either one or more of the following:
• Desire to get a research degree with its consequential benefits;
• Desire to face challenge in solving unsolved problems;
• Desire to get intellectual joy of doing more creative work;
• Desire to be of service to society; and
• Desire to get respectability (Kothari, 1990).
However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to undertake
research studies. Many more factors, such as: directives of government, employment conditions;
curiosity about new things; desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and
thinking and awakening, and the like may as well motivate people to perform research
operation (ibid).

5. General Characteristics of Research

The following characteristics may be gathered from the definitions of “research”:
• It gathers new knowledge or data from primary or first-hand sources.
• It places emphasis upon the discovery of general principles.
• It is an extent systematic and accurate investigation.
• It uses certain valid data gathering devices.
• It is logical and exact.
• The researcher eliminates personal feelings and preferences.
• Research is patient and unhurried activity
• Research is carefully recorded and reported.
• Conclusions and generalizations are arrived at carefully and cautiously (Singh,2006).
6. Criteria of a Good Research
Whatever may be research is, one can state the qualities of good research should be as
under:
 Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with specified steps to
be taken in specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules. Systematic
characteristic of the research does not rule out creative thinking but certainly does reject the use of
guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.
 Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical
reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying out
research. Introduction is the process of reasoning from a part to the whole; whereas, deduction is the
process of reasoning from some premise. In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful
in the context of decision making.
• Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be verified
by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions (Kothari,
1990)

7. Types of Research
The basic types of research are:
1. Description Vs. Analytical
The major aim of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exits at
present. In analytical research, on the other hand, researcher has to use facts or information
already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the materials.

2. Applied Vs. Fundamental

Research can either be applied or (action) research or fundamental (basic or pure) research.
Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
organization; whereas, fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and
with the formulation of the theory.
3. Conceptual Vs. Empirical
Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used
by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or reinterpret new ideas. On the other
hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for system or theory.

4. Other types of research

All other types of research are variations of one or more of the above examples.
Generally, these types of research are based on either the purpose of research, or the time
required to accomplish research, or the environment in which research is done, or on the basis
of some similar factor.

From the point of time, we can think of research as one-time research or longitudinal
research. Depending on the environment, research can be field-self research or laboratory
research. The research may be exploratory or it may be formalized. The objectives of
exploratory research is the development of hypotheses rather than testing these hypotheses;
whereas, formulized research studies are those with substantial structure and with specific
hypotheses to be tested.
 Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources likes documents. It is concerned
with the study of ideas, or events of the past. Research can also be classified as conclusions
oriented and decision-oriented. A research in doing conclusion oriented research is free to
pickup a problem, re-design the enquiry as s/he proceeds, and is prepared to conceptualize as
s/he wishes. On the other hand, decision-oriented research is always for the need of decision
maker and the researcher. In this case, the researcher is not free to embark upon research
according to his/her inclination.

APPLICATION: (Answer on a separate sheet)

1. Think of a problem that you are presently encountering.

2. Write as many questions as you can think of relating to the problem.
3. List down possible answers to the questions.
4. Make a mindmap.

Example of mindmap:

Who can I ask for help or advice?

- Parents What are my assets?
- Siblings -savings
Problem
-Ate Rose - property
How can I gain more income
-Kuya Ramon -capital
online?
- Friends
-Cora
-Lorna
Who are my possible suppliers?
-Chiong Enterprises
What products is good for selling online? -Loida
-food
-appliances Which offer low prices and greater
-plants chance of profit?
-Sonia
-Loida

ASSESSMENT: (Answer on a separate sheet)

Write the letter of the correct answer.
____ 1. Which of the following should NOT be a criterion for a good research project?
A. Guided by the rules of logical reasoning
B. Is dependent on the completion of other projects
C. Demonstrate the integration of knowledge
D. Develops the skills of the researcher
____ 2. Cyber bullying in school is a growing threat to students’ academic achievement. Researchers
want to find out why people do this and how they feel about it. What is the primary purpose of the
study?
A. Description B. Prediction C. Exploration D. Explanation
____ 3. Exploratory research is an examination of _____.
A. mathematical issue
B. subject about which little information is known
C. subject about which much information is known
D. an unexplored geographic area
____ 4. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of historical research?
A. To reconstruct the past
B. To understand significance of events
C. To find answers to questions about future
D. To study cause-effect relationship
____ 5. Which research is also known as Formul ative Research?
A. Descriptive B. Comparative C. Exploratory D. Diagnostic

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LESSON 3: RESEARCH PROCESS

ACTIVITY: Read the situation and give your opinion.

School A conducted remedial reading to treat the existing big number of slow and
struggling readers, but after one month of conducting remedial instruction, the number of slow
and struggling readers remain the same.

ANALYSIS:
 What is the problem of school A?
 Do we need research to know the answers to the problem?
 What could be the possible reasons?
 How will you justify your answers? What will you do?

ABSTRACTION:
There are a variety of approaches to research and all of them share a common goal of
fostering understanding of the problem, thus, all go through certain basic stages, forming a process
called the research process. Understanding of the research process is important to effectively carry
out research and sequencing of the stages inherent in the process.

There are 8 stages in the research process.

1. Identifying the problem
2. Reviewing Literature
3. Setting research questions, objectives, and hypothesis
4. Choosing the study design
5. Deciding on the sample design
6. Collecting of data
7. Processing and analyzing data
8. Writing the report
 Identifying
the
problem Reviewing
Writing
Literature
the
report

Processing
and
Research Setting
research
questions,
objectives &

Process
analyzing Hypothesis
data

Choosing
Collecting the study
Data Deciding on design
the sample
design

The research process outlined above is the part and parcel of a research study and these
are the steps to follow in executing the research study. A close examination of the different stages
reveals that each of these stages is dependent upon the others.

The key to a successful research project ultimately lies in iteration: the process of
returning again and again to the identification of the research problems, methodology, data
collection, etc…which lead to new ideas, revisions and improvements.

ASSESSMENT:

Directions: Think about the major problem you had recently and how you solved it. Create a diagram
of the process you normally followed. Use your own language to describe each stage you went
through.

REFLECTION: (Answer on a separate sheet)

 What insight did you gain from this module?